India, U.S. Deepen Ties on Trade, Technology, Defense During Washington Talks
WASHINGTON, D.C. — India and the United States expanded cooperation across trade, defense, and critical technologies as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held a series of high-level meetings in Washington during a three-day visit.
The discussions included engagements at the Pentagon and the Department of Commerce, along with efforts to boost commercial ties through the launch of a new digital trade platform.
Misri, alongside India’s Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra, helped launch the India–U.S. Trade Facilitation Portal, which officials described as a step toward unlocking the full potential of bilateral trade. The platform is part of efforts tied to the countries’ $500 billion trade goal, with registrations now open for exporters.
At the Pentagon, Misri met with Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Mike Duffey, where both sides discussed ways to deepen defense industrial cooperation, technology collaboration, and supply chain linkages. The talks build on goals outlined in the bilateral Major Defense Partnership framework signed last year.
He also held discussions with Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, focusing on developments in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia, following their earlier meeting in New Delhi.
The defense engagements highlighted growing emphasis on industrial collaboration, technology transfer, and supply chain integration between the two countries.
At the Department of Commerce, Misri met with Under Secretaries Jeffrey Kessler and William Kimmitt to advance cooperation in commercial and critical technologies. Discussions also centered on strengthening resilient and trusted supply chains.
The meetings reflect a broader effort by both countries to align economic and strategic priorities, particularly in emerging technologies and secure supply chains.
The visit follows External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s trip to Washington in February and is part of a steady pace of high-level exchanges between the two nations.
Parallel military engagement added to the momentum. Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, during a separate visit to the United States, toured Peterson Space Force Base and met with General Gregory M. Guillot, in what officials described as a productive exchange on complex operational issues.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the visit provided an opportunity to review the full scope of bilateral relations and advance cooperation across key sectors, including trade, defense, science, and technology, as well as regional and global developments.
In recent years, India and the United States have strengthened ties under a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, with defense, technology, and supply chains emerging as central pillars. Bilateral trade has also grown steadily, with initiatives such as the new trade portal expected to further support exporters and deepen economic integration. (Source: IANS)
